A Children's Story

We all remember the children's story of “The Little Red Hen”. It is a story that teaches the importance of working together to reach worthwhile goals and the importance of justice. People who work diligently and faithfully should expect the rewards of their efforts. People who choose to stand on the sidelines should not expect to share in the rewards. Common sense wrapped in a cute little story. It's how we humans seem to learn best... from parables, fables and stories. But just how well have we actually learned this lesson? For instance, take the current political debacle in Glynn County, Georgia.

My wife, Connie, and I have enjoyed a remarkable front row seat to the entire spectacle... and it has been spectacular. Someday the story will be written. Perhaps a screenplay; a cross between Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The events of the last two years of political struggle for the Glynn County Superior Court Judicial seat have already been nationally broadcast on, no less than, the critically acclaimed public radio program, This American Life. There has been good. And there has been evil. There has been victory and defeat. There has been resignation and celebration. But the end of the story has yet to be written.

Former Superior Court Judge Amanda Williams has resigned in disgrace. Her resignation shocked the good residents of this Coastal Georgia community and the very foundation of the political establishment. How had this happened?

The charges were serious: misuse of power, injustice, dirty dealings in the courthouse. These had gone unspoken for so many years. They were finally spoken publicly and bravely by challenger, Attorney Mary Helen Moses. Her courage was not rewarded in the election. The establishment vehemently responded against her with political lies and innuendo. The privileged poured money into Judge Williams reelection campaign. In the end the Moses campaign was crushed at the polls... or was it?

I asked Mary Helen Moses why she had exposed herself to such incredible public abuse in an almost impossible effort to unseat a powerful and established political incumbent. Her response left me humbled and proud. “Because it's not right. I am standing for justice. Somebody has to, and it seems to be me.” Indeed.

Mary Helen Moses has dedicated her life to the Law, as a lawyer, as a law professor. It is who she is. She knows right from wrong . She stands for, fights for, right.

In her battle to right this terrible wrong in the Glynn County Courthouse she asked “Who will help me do this work?”

“Not I,” said the fearful, power-fawning legal community.

“Not I”, said the vested political establishment.

“Not I”, said the privileged electorate and the timid media.

And so, Mary Helen Moses and a sturdy band of compatriots performed the herculean task themselves. Against all odds. Simply amazing...

The seat is vacant. With a wise and judicious appointment by the Georgia Governor, the difficult task of rebuilding lost confidence, reestablishing “justice for all”, reclaiming what is right may now proceed. So, who will fill this seat?

“I will,” cried the trembling political establishment fearful of being further exposed.

“I will”, cried the gerrymandering public official seeking the power and privilege.

“I will”, cried the opportunistic, wealthy lawyers.

Governor Deal, the eyes of SE Coastal Georgia are upon you and our hope lies in your hands. For you, there are undoubtedly many, many mitigating circumstances to be considered in filling this important vacancy.

For us, it is as simple as a children's story.